Baitcaster VS Spinning Reel – Choosing Best Fishing Reel Type
Probably every second novice angler asks the question – how does a baitcasting reel differ from a spinning reel and what is it all about? In this article, we will tell you how they differ, what components they consist of, for what purposes and types of fishing they are needed, and whether it is worth choosing such reels for a beginner.
Choosing between bait and spinning gear can be a daunting task for those new to fishing. Video on the pros and cons of each gear and the types of fishing that work best for each style:
Differences In Reel Design
First of all, bait-casters and spinning reels differ in design. This means that by removing the line from the spool. Let’s take a closer look at this.
Spinning reel. Here, the line is simply removed from the spool in stages without any rotation, and any inertia created by the bait during a long cast. For a long time, this reel was considered revolutionary in fishing.
Baitcasting reel. It is curious that in fact, it is just a more improved version of the fly reel, only in a more complex version. Here the line is removed from the spool using inertia created by the bait and tackle when casting. The main difference is that the baitcasting reel requires a special fishing rod that has an additional protrusion (stop) for the finger and more rings to hold the line.
Baitcaster Reel VS Spinning Reel – Pros And Cons
Today, the question of which reel is the best is faced by many anglers. And there is no single answer here. Each reel-type has its own advantages.
For a spinning reel, these are:
- Ease of casting and use. The skill is acquired very quickly, even if you recently picked up the reel.
- The line rarely forms a “bird’s nest“. Even with long casting and low weight.
- Price. A spinning reel is often much cheaper than a similar baitcasting reel.
- Quick reeling. In one turn of the handle, you can reel in up to 1 m of line
- Good brake sensitivity. The spinning reel is easier to set up. There is no need to adjust the brake system according to the weight of the bait.
The baitcasting reel has these advantages:
- Simple casting. Casting with a baitcasting reel is not much more difficult than casting with a spinning reel.
- Heavy baits. This reel is good for heavy bait applications.
- Braided fishing line. The baitcasting reel allows the use of a thick line. When using a baitcasting reel, the casting distance does not depend on the line thickness.
- High sensitivity. Since the baitcasting reel is located on top of the rod, it is much more sensitive to any, even the weakest bite.
- More comfortable fishing. Fishing in this way is less energy-intensive.
80% of professional anglers in the US use baitcasting reels. They are the main reels of the spinning sport. Spinning reels are used only when working with very light baits (1-20 grams). All other weight categories belong to baitcasters.
Baitcaster Vs Spinning Reel Comparison
Please watch this video – an explanation (pros and cons) of Baitcaster vs spinning reel:
A few years ago, the owners of baitcasting reels seemed almost aliens, and this reel itself was not quite familiar to most anglers. It is no longer a secret that this type of reel is, in essence, a modified fly reel.
To understand which reel is better – baitcasting or spinning, you just need to test them in practice, on a certain reservoir, and when fishing for specific species of fish. Luckily, we did it all for you.
For example, if you go for big fish, bait casters give you a feeling of confidence due to the reliability and simplicity of the design. It is believed that this reel can withstand more severe loads. In this case, the problem “baitcasting reel or spinning reel?” is decided in favor of the first.
But with baits weighing less than 5 grams, it is not very convenient to handle baitcasters. Also, the reel seems unnecessarily bulky to many.
Besides, many fishermen pay attention to the adjustable braking system in baitcasting reels. It seems to work well and reliably, but it has to be adjusted for each type of bait or fish. Not everyone on a fishing trip likes it.
Baitcasting reels are much lighter. But the spinning reel is easier to use. After casting, baitcasting reels often have to be shifted from hand to hand, which causes inconvenience.
Are Baitcasters Suitable For Spinning Rods?
Another difference between a spinning reel and a baitcasting reel is the use of different types of rods. That is, a spinning rod for a baitcaster is unsuitable – there are too many rings on such a rod for him. You either have to redo it (which won’t help much) or buy a special casting rod. It will be a little more expensive, but such a rod will surely last for several seasons.
What To Use On Spinning Reel Vs Baitcaster Bass
As you can see, bait casters and spinning reels are completely different. Therefore, choosing the specific type of reel for your target fish will be critical. Let’s take a look at a few of the main types of fish that fishermen catch the most with these reels and see which one works best.
So which reel to choose for bass fishing? For bass, you can choose any reel. The main thing is to pair them with suitable rods. But most bass anglers use baitcasters. And spinning reels are mostly chosen by beginners.
Professionals choose baitcasting reels for a reason. They are better at handling heavy lines and the lures they use when fishing for perch. The most experienced fishermen use several baitcasters at once with different ratios and settings so that they can be ideally combined with different lures.
But most of us use one reel for all baits and bass types. Therefore, we recommend using an average gear ratio between 6:1 and 7:1. If you adjust the reeling speedwell, then such baitcasters will work well with large and small baits, be it a jig or spinnerbait.
What To Use On Spinning Reel Vs Baitcaster Catfish
Now let’s take a look at the best catfish reel.
As in the previous case, you should consider the angler’s experience when fishing for catfish. You can use spinning reels, but remember that the catfish loves to fight and load your reel. So make sure the spinning reel you are using can handle it. A spinning reel will give you the ease of use, which is one of the main reasons it is chosen as a catfish reel.
We recommend saltwater reels for you. They are quite sturdy and can handle almost any catfish except the largest ones. Saltwater reels have more reliable resistance, sturdier construction, and are capable of handling heavy lures and braided lines.
The biggest problem when using a spinning reel is your spinning rod, which you are limited to. Therefore, it can be quite difficult to choose a reel suitable for a catfish. Besides, spinning reels limit your lure selection.
On the other hand, we have baitcasters who are better at this job. It’s easy to find baitcasting reels in various price ranges that will handle any catfish. The size, strength, and design of baitcasting reels allow them to be used with any bait and line.
The main problem with these reels is that they are only used by experienced fishermen and are quite difficult to handle.
What To Use On Spinning Reel Vs Baitcaster Saltwater
All saltwater fishing is divided into onshore and offshore. You can catch smaller fish from the shore or take a boat and go in search of a real monster. Therefore, when choosing between baitcaster and spinning, you need to consider your fishing style.
You can use both saltwater reels. Spinning reel manufacturers almost always make large saltwater reels that you can use at sea. If you’re not going to fish further than from the pier and are aiming for small prey, you can choose a smaller spinning reel. But make sure that it is protected from saltwater and corrosion.
For surf fishing, we recommend using surf reels. These are the same regular spinning reels, only capable of holding more line and casting your line much further. The situation with bait-casters is much more complicated. The sea is constantly experiencing strong winds, which can make baitcaster fishing just awful. Also, boat casting accuracy will not be as good due to boat mobility and waves.
Much when using baitcasters depends on the conditions. So if you’re interested in catching really big fish offshore, we recommend baitrunning reels. They are specially designed for offshore fishing. As in the previous case, this is just an improved version of the classic baitcasters. Baitrunners allow you to simply drop the bait into the water instead of casting it. Otherwise, they have the same mechanics as the bait casters.
If we had to choose between a spinning reel and a baitcasting reel for saltwater fishing, we would most likely choose a spinning reel. But whichever you choose, make sure your reel is capable of handling saltwater and harsh conditions, and that the body and components are well-protected from rust. Also, remember to clean the reel after each use to prolong its life.
What is a Baitcasting Reel
The baitcasting reel is positioned on top of the rod, parallel to it. These reels work well with monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines. The line from the reel is removed directly in line with the rod. When you cast, the spool moves with the line, so these reels require experience to be able to control the speed of your spool with your thumb. Otherwise, you will constantly encounter bird nests and line tangles. Although this is a more complex type of reel, it gives you a huge advantage in terms of using a lot of lures and lines.
What Is A Spinning Reel
Spinning reels are approved by thousands of anglers around the world as they are affordable and easy to use for beginners. Spinning reels have an open spool and bail that prevent the line from getting tangled. There is no such bail on baitcasters. Unlike bait casters, the spinning reel is mounted on the bottom of the rod for balance, and the drag is adjustable on the top of the reel.
FAQs – Baitcasting & Spinning Reels
We have compared baitcasting and spinning for you in almost every parameter. So all that remains for us is to answer your frequently asked questions. You will find them below.
Final Words About Baitcasters & Spinning Reels
Comparing two different reel types is often difficult. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and is often designed for completely different fishing conditions.
For beginners, we recommend using spinning reels with a medium gear ratio. With them, you can first learn different fishing techniques, try different lures and lines, clean and disassemble your reel. And after that, you can easily move on to more complex baitcasters and not experience difficulties with them.
Regardless of which reel you choose after reading our guide, remember to clean it regularly and take care of your reel. Have a nice fishing!
Tags: #baitcaster vs spinning reel / #baitcaster vs spinning reel pros and cons / #when to use spinning reel vs baitcaster / #baitcaster reel vs spinning reel / #when to use baitcaster vs spinning reel / #baitcaster vs spinning reel saltwater
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A great resource for anyone who is considering buying a new reel. The information is well-researched and provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of reels and the situations in which they are best used.
This is a must-read for any angler, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro. The information is presented in an easy-to-understand format and is backed up with examples and diagrams. I would highly recommend this article to anyone looking to improve their fishing game.
I’ve been fishing for years and thought I knew everything there was to know about baitcasters and spinning reels. But this article taught me some new things and helped me understand the nuances of each type of reel. Great job!
I found this article to be incredibly informative. As a beginner angler, I had trouble deciding between a baitcaster and a spinning reel. After reading this, I have a much better understanding of which one is right for me and my fishing needs.
Great article! It clearly explains the differences between baitcaster and spinning reels and the pros and cons of each. I appreciate the helpful diagrams and real-world examples.
I think the website overall is a great resource for all things fishing, it’s easy to navigate and has a lot of useful information.
Overall, this article is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make an informed decision when purchasing a new reel. I will definitely be referring back to it in the future.
The section on casting technique was also very informative, it gave me a better understanding of the learning curve associated with baitcasters.
I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the differences in the mechanics of each type of reel, it helped me understand the advantages and disadvantages of each.
This is a great article that does a great job of comparing the pros and cons of baitcaster and spinning reels. It’s clear and easy to understand, even for someone new to fishing.
Overall, this is a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about baitcasting and spinning reels. I will definitely be referring back to it in the future.
The illustrations and pictures were also very helpful in visualizing the different parts of the reel and how they functioned.
I found the section on the pros and cons of each type of reel to be particularly informative. It helped me understand the trade-offs and made it easier for me to decide which type of reel would be best for my needs.
Great article, it clearly explains the difference between baitcaster and spinning reels. I also appreciate the helpful tips on when to use each type of reel.
This is a well-written and comprehensive article. It’s great to see the pros and cons of both types of reels presented in a clear and unbiased way. Can a baitcaster reel be used for light lures or is it only suitable for heavy baits?
Baitcaster reels can be used for a variety of lure types, including light lures. In fact, baitcasters are often preferred by anglers who use lighter lures because they offer more control and precision in casting. However, it’s important to note that baitcasters are not suitable for all types of fishing.
They are typically used for larger, stronger fish and heavier lures, as they have a higher gear ratio and can handle more weight. When using a light lure, it’s important to match the right line and spool size to the weight of the lure to avoid backlash or tangling.
I’ve always been a spinning reel user but this article has convinced me to give baitcasters a try. It’s clear that they offer more control and precision in casting, which is exactly what I need for my fishing style. How does the retrieve rate compare between baitcasters and spinning reels?
The retrieve rate, or the speed at which the line is brought in, is generally faster with baitcaster reels compared to spinning reels. This is because baitcasters have a higher gear ratio, which allows the angler to retrieve the line more quickly.
The gear ratio is the ratio of the spool’s revolutions to the handle’s revolutions. The higher the gear ratio, the more revolutions the spool makes for each turn of the handle. This means that when you turn the handle on a baitcaster with a high gear ratio, the spool turns faster, allowing you to retrieve the line at a faster rate.
However, it’s important to note that the retrieve rate is not the only factor to consider when comparing baitcasters and spinning reels. Spinning reels are generally easier to use and are better suited for beginners, while baitcasters offer more control and precision in casting, making them better for experienced anglers. The choice of which reel to use depends on the angler’s skill level, the type of fishing they’ll be doing, and their personal preference.
I appreciate the inclusion of specific product recommendations for both baitcasters and spinning reels. It makes it easier to find a high-quality reel that fits my needs. Are baitcasters more expensive than spinning reels?
Baitcaster reels can be more expensive than spinning reels, but this is not always the case. The price of a reel can depend on many factors, such as the brand, the materials used, and the features it offers. Some high-end spinning reels can be just as expensive as some baitcasters, and some budget-friendly baitcasters can be priced similarly to some entry-level spinning reels.
It’s also important to note that price does not always reflect quality. Some less expensive reels can be just as good, or even better, than more expensive ones. Therefore, it’s important to research different brands and models and read reviews before making a purchase.
In general, baitcasters are considered more advanced and technical reels that require more skill to use and therefore tend to be more expensive than spinning reels. However, with the increasing popularity of baitcasters, manufacturers are now offering models at various price points, so it’s possible to find a budget-friendly baitcaster that fits your needs.
I found the section on the differences in casting technique between baitcasters and spinning reels particularly useful. I’ve been having trouble with my baitcaster and this article helped me understand why. Are baitcasters more prone to backlash or tangling than spinning reels?
Baitcasters are more prone to backlash, which is when the line becomes tangled on the spool. Backlash can occur when the spool spins faster than the lure or bait is being retrieved, causing the line to pile up on itself. This can happen when the angler is casting too hard, using the wrong line size or type, or not adjusting the brake or tension settings properly.
However, it’s worth noting that with some practice, anglers can learn to control the speed of the spool and reduce the chances of backlash. Additionally, many modern baitcasters now come with built-in brakes and tension controls that help to prevent backlash.
When compared to spinning reels, spinning reels are generally considered to be less prone to backlash, as the line is pulled off the spool in a parallel direction, spinning reels are generally easier to use for beginners, but experienced anglers prefer baitcasters for their precision and control.
It’s also important to note that spinning reels can also experience tangling in the line. To prevent tangling, it’s important to keep the line clean and lubricated and to use the right size and type of line for the lure or bait being used.
Great comparison of baitcaster and spinning reels, it clearly lays out the pros and cons of each type. Highly informative for both experienced and novice anglers. How does the casting distance and accuracy compare between baitcasters and spinning reels?
Baitcasters generally offer more control and precision in casting, and as a result, they often cast farther and more accurately than spinning reels. This is because baitcasters have a spool that is perpendicular to the rod, which allows the angler to use the rod’s flex to help generate more power and distance in their cast. Additionally, baitcasters have a higher gear ratio, which allows the angler to retrieve the line more quickly, this can also translate in more distance when casting.
With a spinning reel, the spool is parallel to the rod and the angler uses the handle to generate power and distance in their cast. This can be less precise and less powerful than casting with a baitcaster.
However, it’s worth noting that casting distance and accuracy can also depend on factors such as the angler’s skill level, the type of fishing they’re doing, and the specific reel and rod being used. An experienced angler with a high-quality spinning reel and rod can also cast with good distance and accuracy.
In general, baitcasters are considered more advanced and technical reels that require more skill to use and offer more control and precision in casting, while spinning reels are generally easier to use for beginners and offer less control and less precision in casting.
I’ve been using spinning reels for years, but after reading this article, I’m considering switching to a baitcaster. The increased accuracy and control sound appealing. How do baitcaster reels and spinning reels differ in terms of casting technique?
The casting technique for baitcasters and spinning reels is different due to the design and mechanics of each type of reel.
When casting with a baitcaster, the angler holds the rod in one hand and the reel in the other, with the spool facing upward. The angler then uses their thumb to control the spool’s speed and to apply tension to the line. The angler uses the rod’s flex to generate power and distance in their cast.
When casting with a spinning reel, the angler holds the rod in one hand and the reel in the other, with the spool facing downward. The angler then uses their index finger to control the spool’s speed and to apply tension to the line. The angler uses the handle of the reel to generate power and distance in their cast.
It is important to note that casting technique is also influenced by the angler’s skill level, the type of fishing they’re doing, and the specific reel and rod being used. An experienced angler with a high-quality spinning reel and rod can also cast with good distance and accuracy. Additionally, baitcasters are considered more advanced and technical reels that require more skill to use than spinning reels, and therefore the casting technique for baitcasters is harder to master.
Great breakdown of the differences between baitcaster and spinning reels. The explanations and visuals really helped me understand the pros and cons of each type. What are the main differences between baitcasters and spinning reels?
The main differences between baitcasters and spinning reels are: